Press release: Art in Bloom returns with a French twist on Feb. 24-26

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 18, 2017–Art in Bloom, the annual festival of fine art and fresh flowers, returns to the Saint Louis Art Museum on Friday, Feb. 24 through Sunday, Feb. 26. Tickets for the festival’s special programs—including a lecture and demonstration by celebrity florist Jeff Leatham—went on sale this week.

Floral designers and garden club members will create imaginative displays celebrating works of art in the galleries during one of the museum’s most popular programs. Art in Bloom is open to the public every day of the festival at 10 a.m. Museum members can come early at 8 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 24 and Saturday, Feb. 25.

(To download web-sized images from last year’s Art in Bloom, right click on the images below.)

Although it’s free to tour the galleries and see floral installations, tickets are required for some programs, including a featured presentation by Leatham, artistic director of the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris and floral artist to the stars.

Leatham is known throughout the world for his breathtaking floral installations. He will speak in the museum’s Farrell Auditorium on Friday, Feb. 24 at 11 am. Leatham will sign books purchased at the museum immediately following the lecture. Tickets to the lecture are $25 or $20 for museum members.

Also on Friday, Art in Bloom visitors can learn about growing beautiful flowers in the city. Karen “Mimo” Davis and Miranda Duschack, owners of Urban Buds: City Grown Flowers, will discuss their experiences as farmer-florists and give a hands-on floral demonstration at 2 pm. Tickets to the demonstration are $15 or $10 for museum members.

On Friday evening, visitors can enjoy French wines at a cash bar in Sculpture Hall from 5 to 7 pm. From 7 to 10 pm that night, the museum’s monthly SLAM Underground event offers is a lively approach to experiencing art, music, cocktails and the art-inspired floral arrangements.

At 11 am on Saturday, Feb. 25, visitors can learn how to create a memorable event at the demonstration Entertaining French Style. Panorama Executive Chef and General Manager Ivy Magruder will present French cuisine concepts and Mike Ward from Ward on Wine will pair those dishes with the perfect French wines. Veronica Theodoro, editor in chief of St. Louis At Home Magazine, will give tips for creating tablescapes incorporating floral arrangements. Tickets to Entertaining French Style are $15 or $10 for museum members.

At 3 pm on Saturday, visitors can unwind with a glass of wine while drawing a still life at the hands-on workshop Sip and Sketch. Tickets are $45, or $40 for museum members, which includes one glass of wine.

Sunday, Feb. 26 is Art in Bloom Family Day, and all children’s activities that day are free. Children can create their own flower-inspired art, take a self-guided scavenger hunt throughout the galleries and enjoy storytelling. Family Sundays are supported by Wells Fargo Advisors.

Museum members can enjoy exclusive early morning entry to Art in Bloom on Friday and Saturday from 8 to 10 am, as well as discounts on all ticketed programs.

Art in Bloom is presented by Caleres. Additional support is provided by St. Louis Magazine and 106.5 The Arch. Tickets for Art in Bloom programs may be purchased at the museum or through MetroTix, which charges a service fee. A complete list of programs and ticket prices can be found at slam.org/bloom.

CONTACT: Matthew Hathaway, 314.655.5493, matthew.hathaway@slam.org

The Saint Louis Art Museum celebrated Art in Bloom, its annual celebration of art and flowers, in 2016.

The Saint Louis Art Museum celebrated Art in Bloom, its annual celebration of art and flowers, in 2016.

The Saint Louis Art Museum celebrated Art in Bloom, its annual celebration of art and flowers, in 2016.

The Saint Louis Art Museum celebrated Art in Bloom, its annual celebration of art and flowers, in 2016.

The Saint Louis Art Museum celebrated Art in Bloom, its annual celebration of art and flowers, in 2016.

The Saint Louis Art Museum celebrated Art in Bloom, its annual celebration of art and flowers, in 2016.

The Saint Louis Art Museum celebrated Art in Bloom, its annual celebration of art and flowers, in 2016.

The Saint Louis Art Museum celebrated Art in Bloom, its annual celebration of art and flowers, in 2016.

The Saint Louis Art Museum celebrated Art in Bloom, its annual celebration of art and flowers, in 2016.

The Saint Louis Art Museum celebrated Art in Bloom, its annual celebration of art and flowers, in 2016.

The Saint Louis Art Museum celebrated Art in Bloom, its annual celebration of art and flowers, in 2016.

The Saint Louis Art Museum celebrated Art in Bloom, its annual celebration of art and flowers, in 2016.

The Saint Louis Art Museum celebrated Art in Bloom, its annual celebration of art and flowers, in 2016.

The Saint Louis Art Museum celebrated Art in Bloom, its annual celebration of art and flowers, in 2016.